Children thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect generates a feeling of security.  With this in mind, and understanding the comfort rituals offer, how can we integrate them into the daily lives of children and families?

Think about the different activities surrounding children throughout the day: waking up, meals, playtime, naptime, bath time, and bedtime. Reading together, sharing stories about the day, connecting with loved ones, even feeding the pets—each of these moments can be more than just routine; they can become cherished rituals.

These predictable, consistent parts of life create strength in the family.

Play & Learn at Home

Your rituals might be things that no-one but your family understands. They might be:
special morning kisses or crazy handshakes
code words for things or special names you use for each other
a special wink for your child at school drop-off
your own rules for sports or board games.
a goodnight routine that you and your child make up
returning to a place ( a trail, a beach, etc) that is unique 
an event that you participate in together like going to the top of the hill or building when the moon is bright, or going to the foothills on the first snow


Resources we love:
Heart Tending: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Tending-Creating-rituals-nurture/dp/1495942635

Sharing Family Traditions with Grandchildren: https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/that-was-then-sharing-family-traditions-with-your-grandchildren/

Routines, Rituals, & Relationships: https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/family-rituals